Parking device



May 1960 c. ALIMANESTIANO 2,936,082

PARKING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 18, 1957 FIG.I

I hu? INVENTOR. bVJ/MM/ #uwwzvrmwa I May 10, 1960 c. ALIMANESTIANO 2,936,082.

PARKING DEVICE Filed July 18, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2 v f za W 35 Y Z Q31 S l% T- E 44 .5 2'0 I 1% w w 1% 15: 6 e

FIG.3

INVENTOR. fat Jam fi mvm arr/ma y 1960 c. ALIMANESTIANO 2,936,082

PARKING DEVICE Filed July 18, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fl G. 4

IIIIIIIII/l M INVENTOR. avsmr/A/ QaMvas'I/M O BY 4/ W M y 1960 c. ALIMANESTIANO 2,936,082

PARKING DEVICE Filed July 18. 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 10, 1960 c. ALIMANESTIIANO PARKING DEVICE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 18, 1957 mdE A finited States Patent 2,936,082 PARKING DEVICE Constantin Alirnanestiano, New York, NY.

Application July18, 19-57, Serial No. 672,663 6 Claims. (Cl. 214-161) This invention relates to improvements in automatic parking devices of the variety especially adaptable for increasing the capacity of a parking lot.

The supply of parking spaces in modern congested urban centers is a small fraction of the increasing demand. Attempts to alleviate this condition by the provision of permanent type garages have not been too successful due to two important factors. Firstly residential and commercial development in urban centers is obviously of greater urging than the provision of permanent type parking facilities. Thus very little space is allocated for permanent parking structures. Secondly, permanent structures, providing parking spaces predominantly have not proven sufficiently successful financially to cause the flow of adequate capital in such projects.

The invention disclosed herein offers a solution to these problems by providing a device which can be easily erected and dismantled at low cost at any openparking lot site to effect an approximately 100 percent increase in parking space capacity.

The device is primarily intended for use at parking lot sites whose capacity satisfies not more than 50 percent of the demand for parking thereby assuring a profitable market for the additional parking space capacity provided by' the invention. Although the device is adapted for long term usage, it is especially designed for temporary profitable operation on a site which will be avail-- able for only a relatively short period of time. Thus sites which are not available for permanent multi-level parking buildings can be profitably utilized by the instant invention. V i

In general the device comprises a one-level steel skeleton structure involving a minimum number of columns.

A carrier is automatically reciprocated longitudinally over the structure and includes means for lifting and carrying a detachable cage. The vehicle to be parked is driven into a cage at ground level, raised by the carrler and transported to a specificlocationonthe steel skeleton and then lowered to a suspendedposition on the lower portions of the same structure 'over which the carrier travels. Thus an elevated level of which loaded cages is provided which just clears and doesnot interfere with vehicles parked on the ground. 1

The ratio of the cost of erecting and dismantling :the simple skeletal structure. of the 'device to the additional income derived, is small enough to warrant installations for periods as small as one year after which the device can be relocated. 3

Other forms of temporary parking structures have been devised. However these previous disclosures teach the provision of an expensive second deck upon which the vehicles move under their own power. Much parking space is wasted on the second deck to pernnt the maneuvering of the vehicles. Moreover the ramp or elevator usually used in raising the vehicle to the second deck'consumeswaluable parking space at the ground 7 level and on the second deck.

' vision of a low cost parking device adapted to provide I Since the instant invention does not require driving of vehicles on the second deck, no space is lost for suchv purposes. The means for lifting the vehicle employed in the inst-ant device does not create a fixed obstruction to the vehicle movement of the ground level.

Thus the primary object of this invention is the pm a parking lot with one elevated tier of parking spaces without significantly obstructing access to the ground parking space and wherein said device is adapted for rapid erection and dismantling for the purposes of economical 1 relocation.

A further object of this invention is the provision o a parking device which creates an elevated tier of parking spaces over an open parking lot, wherein the vehicles parked in the second tier are transported in cages to specific locations on the device and suspended therefrom in cages just clearing the cars parked on the ground.

A still further object of this invention is the provisionof a parking device which can be installed on an open 1 rier includes a plurality of detachable cages for trans porting and storing vehicles .at an elevation not obstructmg vehicles parked on the ground surface and wherein the cages form part of the carrier during transportation of the vehicles and are detached therefrom during the storage of the vehicles.

Further objects and novel departures from the prior art will become evident from the following detailed description, claims and attached drawing in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a front portion of the device as installed over a parking lot. A vehicle is shown just before entering a lifting cage, another vehicle parked on the lot under an empty cage, and a third vehicle in a cage stored in suspended fashion on the device above the cars on the ground. I Figure 2 is a partial plan' view of the carrier on the supporting beams of the structure showing details of the mechanism for lifting cages and formoving the carrier itself along the supporting beams. f

. Figure 3 is a partial transverse sectional elevation through plane 3-3 of Figure 2 showing additional de tails.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional elevation through plane 4-4 of. Figure 2 showing in greater detail. the. .mechanism for lifting automatically the cages which carry the vehicles.

Figure 5 is a horizontal section through plane 5-5 of Figure 4 showing details of the mechanism that causes the carrier to be connected ,or disconnected from the vehicle-carrying cages.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention wherein the vehicles are loaded in longitudinal alignment with the motion of the carrier and the cages are manually connected to and disconnected from the vehicle-carrying cages.

Figure 7 is a part sectional elevation of the cage used in connection with the embo'dirnentshown in Figure 6.

.Figure 8 is a transverse elevational view of the device shown in Figure 6 showing details of the carrier-lifting device and also showing vehicles at various stages in the storing and loading operation.

. Patented May 10, 1960 Figure 9 is a partial horizontal sectional view of the automatic means for lifting the cages used in connection with the device of Figure 6.

Figure 10 is an elevational view showing the end construetion of the device of Figure 6 and the method of mounting the'carrier thereon.

Figure ll is a sectional view thru plane 11-11 of Figure 6 showing the bearing construction for the carrier rollers.

In Figure 1 a preferred embodiment of the invention is depicted as applied to an open parking lot. The novel parking structure comprises a plurality of similar columns 10 arranged in a rectangular pattern and a superstructure to be described which rests on the columns. superstructure 11 comprises spaced transverse beams 12, one of which is located on the near side of the drawing and the other of which is located on the far side of the drawing but is not shown for purposes of clarity. Transverse beams 12 span transversely across columns 10 and provide supports for the ends of longitudinals 13, all of which are of similar size and section.

As oriented in Figure 1, the longitudinal axis of the structure is at right angles to the direction of vehicular entry shown by the'large arrow F, also denoting the front of the lot. A carrier 14, to be described in detail is movably mounted on the beams 13 for longitudinal reciprocation. The carrier 14 includes a plurality of similar lifting screws 15, so located that a set of four arranged in a rectangular pattern fall between each adjoining set of beams 13. Each set of four screws comprise a means for lifting and transporting cages 16 from the ground to the suspended position depicted.

It can now be appreciated that access to the open lot under the parking structure 11 is virtually unobstructed from the front F. Cars which are to be suspended from the structure are loaded from a lateral position adjacent to the columns 10 and moved at right angle to the entry direction to suspended positions over the lot. As will become clear from subsequent description, the positions assumed by the cages while moving with the carrier clear the cages suspended in the stored or parked position whereby any cage can be removed or stored in any location without requiring movement of the stored cages.

The carrier 14 comprises a pair of spaced parallel I beams 17 and 18 secured together at the ends with similar angles 19 and 20 forming a rectangular framework enclosing a substantially rectangular space large enough to accomrnodate the width of the cages. The bottom flanges of the beams 17 and 18 are provided with rollers 21 (see Figure 3) which are supported centrally over thewebs of. beams 13 providing a rolling contact there between. To prevent lateral deflection during movement each end angle 19 and 21) is equipped with horizontal rollers 22 and 23 which abut and guide channels 24, and 25, (Figure 3) integrally secured to anglesup ports 26 and 27 which in turn are affixed in cantilevered fashion to the webs of each side longitudinal beam 13. The upper flanges of the channel guides 24 and restrict upward tipping of the wheels 22 and 23 and the channel webs prevents lateral deflection thereby ensuring true longitudinal reciprocation of the carrier along the beams 13.

Reciprocatory movement of the carrier '14 is effected. thru a motor-operated endless chain 28 (Figure 2) which passes about sprockets 29 and 30 and is terminallyattached to the flanges of carrier beams 17 and 18 by the connecting fixtures 31 and 32. The sprockets 29 and 30 are rotated by either one of the respective shafts 33 and 34 which in turn can be driven by a motor located on the ground and actuated thru a conventional panel switch conveniently located. Clockwise rotation of sprocket 29 results in movement of the carrier towards the extreme position adjacent the near side of the device as seen in Figure 1 where the vehicles are loaded and unloaded in the cages '16. To prevent movement of carrier 14 1 '4 yond the ends of beams. 13, stops 35 are provided which will engage the outer edges of the carrier beams. A similar endless chain system' as shown at the left hand side of Figure 2 is also provided at the right hand side of the drawing (not shown). Both chain systems are synchronized by conventional means whereby an even pull is exerted on both ends of the carrier.

Screws 15 are reciprocated vertically by .worm gears 36 (see Figure 4) which are rotatably mounted between the flanges 37 and 38. Rotation of the said worm gears causes axial reciprocatory movement of the screws 15. Rotation of screws 15 is prevented by the provision of a spline 39 formed integrally with gears 36A which slides snugly in a groove 40 in screws 15. Thus during vertical movement of the rods the depending hooks 41 are transversely directed relative to the longitudinal axis of beams 13 (Figure 4 and 5).

Gears 36 are actuated by a series of gears mounted on horizontal shaft-ing disposed longitudinally on both carrier beams 17 and 18. The shafting is symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis of the carrier (the carrier axis which is at right angles to the beams 13) and is powered by two motors such as 43 at each end of the carrier, each motor is mounted on a bracket angle such as 20 (see Figures 2 and 4). Motor 43 operates thru a conventional planetary gear system, a pair of parallel vertically aligned shafts 44 and 45 and a similar pair of shafts 46 and 47 which extend symmetrically from opposite ends of the motor.

In the case illustrated only four sets of lifting screws are used. Each set (4 screws to each set) is used to lift cages thru the respective carrier port. Two sets of screws are operated from the left side and two sets from the right side, each set requiring a shaft on each of the carrier beams 17 and 18. The invention can be obviously applied to provide any number of sets of lifting screws desired. For example, for a carrier having five lifting ports (each port serviced by a set of 4 screws), two sets of screws are actuated by shafting powered by a motor on one end of the carrier and three sets by shafting powered by a motor on the opposite end of the carrier. Since each set of screws requires a shaft on each of the carrier beams 17 and 18, two sets require 2 parallel shafts on each beam 17 and 18 and three sets would require 3 parallel shafts on each of the beams 17 and 18. Thus it is apparent that each set of screws, or each lifting port requires a shaft on beam 17 and a shaft on beam 18. The shafting and .gearing systems which are operated by shaft sets 44, 45 and 46, 47 are identical and symmetrical a detailed description will only be given for the system related to shafts 44 and 45 as shown in Figure 4; the operation of the systeminvolving shafts 46 and 47 being identical. The purpose of the symmetry of the shafting and gearing system about the longitudinal axis of the carrier 14 is to provide lifting points for the cages whose. center of'gravity is coincident with the center of gravity of the cage thereby reducing undesirable eccentricities.

Shafts 44 and 45 respectively operate shafts 48 and 49 thru bevel gear sets 50 and 51. As shown in Figure 4, shaft 49 is vertically aligned beneath shaft 48 and is provided with similar gears 524 which coact with worm gears 36 to reciprocate the screws 15a. Similarly on the opposite side of the carrier the other two screws 15a (see Figure 2) are reciprocated by an identical system operated by the shaft.47. Stilfener plates 53 are provided along the carrier beams to reinforce the flanges and to provide bearing supports for the shafts. Conventional bushing are provided in the stiifeners to permit rotation of the shafts therein.

The upper shaft 48 does not coact with the gears generating screws 1511 but passes over gears 52a to the next? set of screws 15b located between the next pair of beams 13 (see Figures 3 and 4) where a set of gears 52 b are provided for operating gears 36. The operation of screws S c'rew's 15a and 15b which are located in the bays marked W and X respectively (Figure 2) are operated by shafts .and gears described above, deriving their power from a motor 43 on the left side of the carrier as seen in Figure 2. The screws 15c and 15e which are within the bays marked Y and Z are actuated by a shaft and gear system symmetrically identical to the system described above, deriving its power from a motor located in the right side of the carrier as seen in Figure 2. Thus a four point lifting system is provided for four bays. The entire system being selectively controlled from a main panel board including also the controls for the chain systems which move the carrier.

In order to lift one of the cages 16 by means of the screws 15 it is necessary to rotate the hook 41 (see Figure 4) 90 degrees to a position underlying a lower chord channel member 54 of the cage and then cause the screw to move upwardly. After depositing the cage 'in one of the suspended position (see bay W, Figure 3); it is also necessary to rotate the hook back to its original position shown in Figure 4 so that the screws will clear the cage to permit further movement of the screws and carrier. These rotary motions of the screws are accomplished by means of the sleeve gears 36a having smooth cylindrical bores 55 and previously described splines 39 which coact with the groove 40 in screws 15. Sleeves 55 are rotated by horizontally disposed gears 56 powered by motors 57 and 58 (see Figure 1) thru conventional gearing and shaft systems 59 and 60 symmetrically arranged about the carrier axis. Thus when gears 56 are operated, splines 39 of sleeve gears 36a will abut the side walls of grooves 40 in the screws 15 causing rotary motion of the screws in the direction desired. Furthermore, when gears 36 are operating as described to cause vertical reciprocatory motion of the respective screws involved, spline 39 will prevent unwanted rotary motion of the screws, i.e. sleeve gear 36a in addition to causing rotary motion of the screws at predetermined elevations of screws 15, also acts as a locking device to prevent such rotary motion during vertical reciprocation of the screws.

Actuation of motors 57 and 58 causes rotation of all the screws 15 and their respective hooks, and not only the hooks desired to be rotated. However due to the arrangement no interference results and the mechanism for such rotation is simplified.

Operation To park a vehicle on the device above the parking lot, entry is made from the lot front (marked F in Figure 1) adjacent column 10 at the near side of the lot.

An empty cage 16 is lowered to the ground by screws 15b which engage the cage at lower chords 41. The vehicle enters the cage via a hinged ramp 61 (see Figure l) and is supported within the cage by platforms 62 which in turn rest on the lower chord channels 54. The hooks 41 are disposed within the flanges of channels 54 during the lifting and transporting operation.

Motor 43 is then operated through a main panel board conveniently located to cause rotation of shafts 44 and 48 and the analogous symmetrical system on the pposite side of the longitudinal axis of the carrier, whereby screws 15b are caused to move upward to an extreme elevated position depicted in bay X of Figure 3. The motor being provided with means or limiting its opera, tion to a point corresponding to said elevated position. It

is to be noted that when in the position shown in bay X stored cages. Thus it is seen that any empty desired storage berth is accessible at any time. Thus with the loaded cage in the elevated position of bay X Figure 3, the carrier is moved longitudinally along the beams 13 until the loaded cage is centered above the vacant berth from which the unloaded cage was taken. Motor 43 is then operated to cause the downward movement of screws 15b until the angles 64 rests on the lower flanges 65 ofthe beams 13. Angles 64 are integrally joined to the diagonal chords 66 providing the structural means for preventing lateral distortion of the cages and for transmitting the weight of the cage to the flanges of beams 13.

The typical suspension method for storing the cages on the lower flanges of the superstructure beams is best seen in Figure 3, bay W. It is to be noted that beams 13 per-form the dual functions of supporting the carrier and the parked cages, thereby providing great economies. As is most evident from Figure 2, the lower flanges 65 of beams 13 have been removed in the area overlying the vehicle loading aisle, for the purposes of providing clearance for the angles of the cages when they are raised to the elevated position. In designing this portion of beams 13, it will be necessary to reinforce the webs with plates to resist shearing forces.

Having deposited the cages on the lower flanges of the beams 13, the screws continue their descent to a predetermined elevation clear of channels 54 (see Figure 4). This position is automatically obtained by providing the motor with conventional automatic controls which discontinue motor operation'when it has operated a predetermined distance. With the hooks 41 clear of channels 54, the motors 57 and 58, which operate gears 56, are actuated to cause sleeve gears 36A (Fig ures 4 and 5) to rotate hooks 41 to a position at right angles to the axis of channels 54. In this latter position screws 1511 can be raised to the elevated position shown in Figure 3, bay X whereby the carrier can then be moved longitudinally along beams 13 to wherever desired. i

It is now apparent that the disclosed device can be operated to selectively pick up an unloaded or loaded cage from its suspended position, transfer it to the loading aisle where vehicle can be unloaded or loaded, and to selectively return a loaded or unloaded cage to a vacant berth suspended from the structure. Since the vehicles are not required to be driven under their own power a greater utilization of space is attainable than at the ground level. Although the ground area beneath the loading aisle must be clear during a loading or unloading operation, this area can be used for maneuvering vehicles at the ground level when no such loading or unloading is in progress. Consequently it has been found that the devirl:e actually doubles the capacity of any given parking 0t.

Since the structure is unenclosed and of relatively simple design, it can readily be erected or relocated thereby rendering the device suitable for temporary usage.

'In Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 a simplified semiautomatic version of the invention is depicted. Reference numerals for this embodiment will start at to effect a clear dilferentiation from the previously described preferred embodiment.

The simplified embodiment comprises symmetrically disposed columns 100 and 101, which face the parking lot entrance, and a similar pair of columns at the rear ofthe lot (not shown). Supported on these columns is a superstructure comprising a transverse beam 103, at

the front of the lot and a similar beam at the rear'of the "lot (not shown).

Also supported on the columns are the side members 104 and 105 (to be described in more detail). Parallel to members 104 and 105 and subdividing equally the intervening space, are the longitudinal beams 106, 107, 108, 109 and 110 which are supported at their front ends by beam 103 and at their rear end by a beam similar to 103 (not shown). The web portions of beams 106 thru 1 10 extend beyond beam 103 to provide an 7 overhanging structure supported at its forward end by a transverse beam 111. Side members 104 and 105 also project beyond beam 103 and are supported by beam 111. Diagonal 112 and a similar diagonal at the other side of the structure carry the forces delivered to beam 111 to the columns 100 and 101.

Vehicles are lifted and transported in cages 113 by means of a carrier 114 which is adapted for automatic movement longitudinally along the tops of the beams 106 thru 110.

The carrier comprises parallel shafts 115 and 116 mounted rotatably on sets of rollers 117 thru 123 and 124 thru 130 respectively and a connecting transverse shaft 131 which is powered by a'motor 132. Rotary motion of shaft 131 due to the actuation of motor 132 is delivered to the shafts 115 and 116 through gear boxes 133 and 134, each of which contain conventional bevel gears, Consequently actuation of motor 132 results in simultaneous rotation of shafts 115 and 116 in and relative to the rollers 117 thru 130.

The carrier assembly is moved longitudinally along the beams 106 thru 110 by means of cables 135 and 136 which are connected to the gear boxes 133 and 134. The cables in turn are operated by a pair of winches, each winch (not shown) being connected to a cable and operated from a central control board.

Rollers 117 thru 130 shown in more detail in Figure 11 comprise an outer plastic surface 137 secured to a rubher core 138 mounted on the outer race 139 of bearings 140. The inner race 141 comprises a pair of rings rigidly attached to the shaft in conventional fashion. Thus it is apparent that with the rollers resting on a web 142 of any of the supporting beams, rotation of the shafts can be accomplished without an accompanying movement of the rollers. Conversely longitudinal movement of the carrier with the resulting rotation of the rollers about theshafts does not cause rotation of the shafts.

' In Figures 9 and coaction between the carrier and an end member 105 isshown to an enlarged scale. Gear boxes 133 and 134 are provided with horizontal wheels 143 and 143A which ride within a channel 144 formed integrally on abracket 145. Member 105 also includes a. longitudinal beam 146 to which bracket 145 is attached. Beam 146 also supports rollers 123 and 130 detailed in Figure 11.

Channel 144 and bracket 145 prevents lateral deflection ofthe carrier thus ensuring true longitudinal motion. The construction of symmetrical side member 104 is identical and provides the same function as member 105 described above.

V Cages are. lifted to the transporting position (Figure 8, bay C) by means of cables 147 and 148 (Figure 8, bay B) which are wound about the shafts. A pair of such cables are provided adjacent each roller thereby providing a four point lift between within the carrier shafts at each of the bays. Rotation of shaft 116 for example will cause cable hooks 149 and 150 todescend to. an elevatio n whereat the hooks can be manually attached to a suitable part of a cage, such as 151 (Figure 8). Reverse rotation of shaft 116 will raise the cage to the elevated transporting position shown in Figure 8; bay C.

Rotation of rods 115and 116 (in one direction) causes unwinding of all cables; however, an attendant secures hooks 149 and 150 to thecage which is to be lifted. The hooks are similarly disengaged by an attendant when it is desired to return a cage to a suspended berth. The

which are mounted platforms 161 and 162 for the loading of a vehicle. Transverse struts 163 and 164 prevent transverse distortion of the cage superstructure. Removable struts 163a and 16411 are provided to act as stops for the vehicles. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, angles 152 and 153 are designed to rest on the lower flanges 165 and 166 of the longitudinal beams, whereby the cages canbe suspended from the said beams. As shown in Figure 7, the cage is lifted by hooks 149 and 150 which grasp the transverse chords 159 and 160.

Operation To park a car on the device, vehicle enters the loading zone between two beams such as 107 and 108 (also marked bay A in Figure 8 just in front of the overhang ing portion of the structure. The carrier is moved by the cables 135 and 136 to a point over one of the empty suspended cages such as seen in Figure 8 bay B. Hooks 149. and 150 are caused to descend as described sufiiciently to permit an attendant to secure the hooks to the lower chords of the cage. The cables are then actuated as described to wind the cables on the shaft, so lifting the cage to the position shown in bay C of Figure 8 or in Figure 6. The entire carrier is then transported over other parked cages to the loading zone where a vehicle is to be loaded. The cablesare again actuated and the cage 151 is lowered to the ground as seen in bay A 'of Figure '8. The vehicle thus enters the cage and rests on the platforms 161 and 162. Reverse actuation of the shafts 115 and 116 raises the cage again to the position shown in Figure 8 bay C. The carrier is then moved by cables 135 and 136 to a point overlying the berth from which the cage had been removed. Actuation of shafts 115 and 116 lowers the loaded cage back to its initial position resting-on the flanges of the longitudinal beams. The hooks are manually detached and then retracted by shaft rotation in readiness for the next operation.

The simplified embodiment just described performsthe same general function as the first described form of the invention. However the first form is fully automatic and'does not require the services of an additional operator needed in the case of the simplified inventive form.

The first described embodiment (Figures 1 thru 5) offers. an additional significant advantage in permitting access to the elevated parking tier thru an aisle which is arranged along the side of the lot rather than along the lot frontage. This side loading feature reduces obstruction to ground level parking to a minimum.

It is further to be noted that all of the cages are provided with bumper bars arranged to prevent the vehicle fromrolling off the cage after having been loaded therehooksand cables are so positioned relative to the cages and the skeleton supporting structure whereby those hooks and cables which are not attached to a cage will wind, unwind and move vertically with out interference. Referring to Figure 6 and 7, a typical cage 151 is seen having.upper angles 152and 153 secured along their on. Moreover the cages are designed to provide clear,- ance for the opening of vehicle doors to permit the op.- erator to leave vehicle.

Having thus described in detail the instant invention, a patent grant is desired for the-various novel features as defined in the following claims.

Iclaim: V

1, A device for increasing the capacity of a parking lot comprising an elongated structure with vertical supports and spaced horizontal members spanning the distance between the supports forming longitudinal aisles, said members having upper surfaces symmetrically disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aisles and lower surfaces beneath the said upper surfaces parallel to the aisle axis and horizontally disposed between the said upper-surfaces, in combination with a carrier mounted on the upper surfaces movable along the longitudinal axis of the aisles and a plurality of cages adapted to carry vehicles, said cages including means for engaging the said lower surfaces whereby the lower surfaces support the said cages between and substantially below the said members in alignment along the longitudinal axis ofthe saidv aisles. at a predetermined elevation above the surfacqoftheparkingjot, said, carrier including components forming horizontal apertures above the said upper surfaces through whichthe said cages are adapted to pass, in combination with means mounted on the said carrier adapted to engage the cages and move them vertically from a first position on the parking lot surface -to a second position through the carrier just above the said members and then to a third position resting on the said lower surfaces by the engagement of the first said means with the lower surfaces, the said second means also effecting movement of the said cages from the third said position to the second said position and back to the first said position, the dimensions of the cages and the members being such that there is vertical clearance between the cages when in the second and third position, in further combination with a third means for moving the carrier along the said axis to a series of pre-selected positions wherein the carrier apertures are aligned vertically over the said preselected positions corresponding to a location in which a cage is supported on the lower surfaces.

2. A device-as in claim 1 including loading ports aligned with the axis of the aisles wherein the said first positions are vertically aligned with the said ports.

3.. A device as in claim 1 wherein the second said means comprise extensible elements mounted on the carrier between the members, each element including end grappling fixtures adapted to grasp the cages for transporting purposes. I Y

4, A device for increasing the capacity of a parking lot comprising a structure having spaced horizontal beams extending over the lot, a carrier mounted movably over the beams having means for moving the said carrier longitudinally along the beams to any desired position,

in combination with a plurality of cages each adapted to store a vehicle, said carrier comprising a rod extending transversely across the beams including rollers engaging the beams, said carrier also having lifting means comprising cables secured to the said rods between the said beams, each of said cables having terminal grappling means for engaging and grasping the said cages, in further combination with means for rotating the rod about its axis'within the rollers to cause the rod to wind and unwind the said cables, said cages including components for engaging the said beams whereby the cages can be mounted on the beams below the said rods and above the vehicles parked on the lot surface, said lifting means being operable to raise the cages to a position projecting through the beams higher than the cages mounted on the beams and from the said position to the position mounted on the said beams or to the ground surface.

5. A device as in claim 4 wherein the said carrier comprises a pair of spaced similar parallel rods through which the cages pass in being transported from the the ground to the positions above the vehicles on the ground References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,584,212 Burrell- May ll, 1926 1,828,308 Been Oct. 20, 1931 1,874,859 Been Aug. 30, 1932 1,903,274 Watson Mar. 28, 1933 2,670,859 Zeckendorf et al Mar. 2, 1954 2,707,666

Becker May 3, 1955 

